From CNBC:

Apple is set to report on its fiscal first-quarter earnings after the bell. Analysts are expecting $2.10 earnings per share and $117.91 billion in revenue for the quarter ending in December, as well as a March quarter outlook of $1.57 earnings per share on $95.95 billion in revenue. They are also expecting strong performance from Apple’s product lines.

Investors are closely watching to see if Apple guides to growth again in the current quarter, particularly in light of concerns about demand in China and subdued demand for iPads and Macs. Apple may give strong updates on the number of active devices in use and offer perspective on preorders for the Vision Pro, its virtual reality headset. Analysts foresee challenges but also some bright spots.

Despite market softness, some analysts believe Apple’s iPhone revenue may outperform other products. The company, which typically provides data points on a call to signal how it sees the quarter shaking out, hasn’t given official guidance since 2020, but management usually provides some perspective.

Apple signaled that the December quarter may not show a significant return to growth after four straight quarters of declining sales, citing a “similar” outcome to last year’s. It expects the iPhone to perform well but foresees declines in iPads and Wearables. China demand will be closely watched, with competition from Huawei and sagging sales.

Apple’s recent launch of the Vision Pro virtual reality headset will be a key topic in Thursday’s earnings report. The $3,500 device is expected to sell in small quantities this year but may become a major computing platform in the future. If CEO Tim Cook gives enthusiastic comments about the device, it could boost investor excitement.



Read more: Apple (AAPL) earnings report Q1 2024